Slade - Football's Not Always Logical

RUSSELL SLADE is no stranger to cup shocks with the O's, having masterminded FA Cup triumphs over Norwich and Swansea and taken Arsenal to a replay during his time with the club.

And with Everton on the horizon in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday evening, the O's boss is looking for that spirit again as he looks to spring another surprise.

The Toffees have made a superb start to their Barclays Premier League campaign, defeating Manchester United and Aston Villa in their opening fixtures and Slade is well aware of the size of the task facing his team.

He said: "Everton are probably the most in form side in the country right now. We know it's an extremely difficult task and the logical solution is that it will be a comfortable win for Everton.

"But football isn't always logical and we're looking forward to it. It's a great test for my players whatever the outcome. They're looking forward to playing at Goodison Park.

"When the draw came out it was a super draw for us in the first place. The lads deserved that after beating Charlton on penalties [in Round One] - it's a great opportunity for us all."

Orient were without a fixture at the weekend after Hartlepool United failed to show at Brisbane Road due to traffic issues and Slade says that has made his team even more determined to put the defeats to Tranmere and Stevenage behind them.

The boss added: "You could argue that not playing on Saturday means they might be more refreshed, but the boys were looking forward to playing on Saturday because they want to register some points on the board.

"They lost that opportunity with the game being postponed so the next opportunity is Everton and we'll do our very best."